Flight AL171 Crash: Restoring Trust in Indian Aviation

Flight AL171 Crash: Rebuilding Trust and Ensuring Aviation Safety Standards in India

Syllabus:

• GS – 3 – Aviation sector in India, Disaster Management, safety of passengers

Focus:

This article investigates the tragic crash of Air India flight AL171 at Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. It examines technical details, eyewitness clues, aircraft behavior, and systemic failures, urging a data-driven investigation. It highlights the role of media, aviation safety standards, infrastructure, and regulatory responsibilities in restoring public trust in air travel and aircraft maintenance.

Introduction: A National Tragedy with Far-reaching Impact

• The fatal crash of Air India flight AL171 at Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, shook the nation’s confidence in aviation safety standards.
• Media sensationalism, expert speculation, and WhatsApp rumours flooded the narrative, increasing panic among air travellers.
• The Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft involved had an excellent safety track record, further deepening public confusion over the incident.
• Investigation into the crash includes key international agencies like the U.S. NTSB and U.K. AAIB, underlining its global aviation relevance.

The Investigation: What Is Known So Far

• Black Boxes Recovered
• The Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) were recovered intact from the wreckage.
• Their data is crucial to understanding the technical cause behind the crash and potential aircraft maintenance issues.
• Global Participation in Inquiry
• U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the U.K.’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) are assisting.
• Boeing has a major stake due to the involvement of the 787 Dreamliner series.
• Delay in Public Disclosure
• In India, due to bureaucratic delays and sensitivity to government agency lapses, public release of DFDR/CVR data may take years.
• Until then, CCTV and amateur footage offer some insights

Clues and Observations from Ground and Survivor

• Eyewitness Account
• The sole survivor reported a loud thud post-liftoff and flickering cabin lights.
• Suggests a power or engine failure event in the initial seconds.
• Ram Air Turbine (RAT) Deployment
• Deployment visible in footage indicates dual engine failure or power loss.
• RAT activates only when both engines fail or power systems shut down.
• CCTV Analysis
• Shows aircraft taking off at the very end of Runway 23.
• Initial acceleration was normal for first 18 seconds.
• Visible rightward swing as nose lifts suggests possible engine failure on one side.

Aircraft Performance & Weather Impact

• Runway Performance and Environmental Factors
• Runway 23 at Ahmedabad: 3,505 meters (11,499 ft). This measurement assumes a temperature of 15°C.
• On June 12, temperature reached 37°C (surface possibly >40°C).
• ICAO Doc 9157 mandates temperature corrections: effective runway reduced to ~2,764 meters (~9,068 ft).
• Impact of High Temperature and Pressure
• Hot temperatures reduce air density, significantly degrading engine and lift performance.
• Pressure reading was 1000 hPa, adding to challenges in climb-out.
• More thrust and longer runway needed for take-off under such conditions.

Technical Errors and Operational Oversights

• Non-Retraction of Landing Gear
• Footage confirms landing gear remained down post-liftoff.
• This causes excessive drag, reducing lift and climb capability.
• Raises questions about cockpit alertness and adherence to aircraft maintenance procedures.
• Climb Gradient and Drag
• Aircraft failed to achieve adequate climb rate due to a combination of drag and possibly reduced thrust.
• Could have led to aerodynamic stall.
• Indications of Dual Engine Failure
• Left engine initially operational, generating a dust cloud.
• Shortly afterward, second engine appears to shut down.
• Debris ingestion or bird strike are possible causes, especially as footage shows birds in area.

Overloading and Load Mismanagement

• Excess Cabin Baggage
• Passengers frequently carry more than the 7 kg hand luggage limit.
• Combined with duty-free purchases, each passenger could add ~10 kg extra.
• For 200+ passengers, this can mean over 2 tons of unaccounted weight.
• Impact on Take-Off Distance
• Overloading reduces thrust-to-weight ratio and extends take-off roll.
• Aircraft barely lifted off before the end of the runway, indicating possible over MTOW (Maximum Takeoff Weight).

ADS-B & CCTV: Cross-Validation

• ADS-B data confirms lift-off occurred almost at runway end.
• CCTV shows birds in area, aircraft inside a dust cloud—possible bird ingestion.
• Sequence: acceleration → noise → swing → lift-off → stall → crash.

Learning from the Past: The IC571 Case Study

• In 1986, Indian Airlines Airbus A300 (IC571) suffered similar failure on take-off at Chennai.
• Co-pilot heard loud sound, aircraft vibrated—pilot attempted rejected take-off post rotation.
• Aircraft overran runway into kutcha land—total evacuation, minor injuries only.
• The pilot was criticized for aborting after V1 (decision speed), though lives were saved.
• Highlights dilemma pilots face in milliseconds: continue or reject?

AL171 and the Hobson’s Choice

• The AL171 captain had a split-second to choose between risky take-off or rejecting after near-end of runway.
• Could not retract gear, may not have recognised thrust failure early.
• Fate similar to IC571 but with catastrophic consequences.

Crew Response: What Went Wrong?

• Questions arise:
  • Why did crew not recognise slow acceleration?
  • Why wasn’t take-off rejected at the 2,000 ft marker?
  • Why was landing gear not retracted?
• Answers will lie once analysed.

Role of Media and Information Ecosystem

• Sensationalism vs. Responsibility
• Post-crash media rushed to broadcast unverified information.
• YouTube “experts” fuelled speculation, eroding public confidence.
• WhatsApp messages amplified unscientific rumours.
• Need for Regulatory Communication
• Boeing, DGCA, and MoCA must proactively address misinformation.
• Official, timely communication is critical to maintain credibility and prevent panic.

Regulatory, Technical, and Policy Recommendations

• Transparency in Investigation
• India should expedite analysis and public release of flight data in major crashes.
• Investigations must be seen as fair, transparent, and science-driven.
• Airport Infrastructure
• Thermal corrections must be a regular input in flight performance software.
• Emergency infrastructure beyond runway ends must be reviewed.
• Weight Management
• Enforce stricter cabin baggage checks.
• Weigh cabin bags randomly at gates to discourage rule violations.
• Pilot Training and Decision Simulations
• Simulator training must include edge-case scenarios like dual engine failure on hot days.
• Encourage confidence in rejecting take-offs beyond minimum safety margins if needed.

Restoring Faith in Air Travel

• Air travel remains statistically the safest mode of transport.
• Boeing 787 has had 14 years of excellent safety records.
• Despite this, trust in systems, not just machines, needs rebuilding.
• Rigorous adherence to aviation safety standards is crucial for maintaining public confidence.

International Accountability and Reform

• Boeing’s Role
• Boeing must respond swiftly and transparently due to their legacy post-737 MAX failures.
• Rebuilding its reputation hinges on open cooperation and commitment to aircraft maintenance excellence.
• FAA and NTSB Vigilance
• Post-MAX, U.S. regulators must now demonstrate proactive roles in international aviation incidents.
• Collaboration with Indian DGCA and AAIB (India) must be strengthened to uphold global aviation safety standards.

Conclusion: Towards Safer Skies

• The AL171 crash is a painful reminder of aviation’s fine safety margins.
• It underlines the need for coordinated technical investigation, policy reform, and disciplined flying culture.
• India must invest in institutional readiness, infrastructure and regulatory transparency.
• Restoring public faith depends on truth, communication, and visible accountability.
• Continuous improvement in aircraft maintenance and adherence to stringent aviation safety standards are paramount for preventing future tragedies.

Associated Article

https://universalinstitutions.com/tag/sustainability/

Mains UPSC Question GS 3

“Critically examine the institutional and technological factors leading to the Air India Flight AL171 crash in 2025. How do such events impact public trust in civil aviation, and what corrective steps are needed to restore confidence in air travel”(250 words).